A dentist may recommend a dental inlay to repair dental cavities or other forms of damage that affect the interior portion of the tooth (the grooves of teeth). Inlays are more commonly placed on molars and premolars rather than on teeth that are toward the front of the mouth and more visible.
Many are less familiar with a dental inlay than a dental crown. There are a few similarities between the two, but there are also notable differences. The following review discusses what a dental inlay is, how it compares with alternative restorations, and when a dentist may recommend a dental inlay.
It is a type of dental restoration used to repair decay or damage in the grooves (chewing surfaces) of teeth. It is similar to a dental crown, but it only covers the inner part of the tooth, whereas a crown covers the entire tooth on all sides. A dental inlay is typically made of ceramic or metal material.
Dental inlays are commonly used by dentists to treat dental cavities. It is often seen as an alternative to a dental filling and can be just as effective for treating minor to moderate-sized cavities caused by dental decay. A dental inlay can also treat other forms of teeth damage, such as chips or cracks to the grooves of teeth.
A dental inlay covers the grooves of teeth. It is different from a crown, which covers both the grooves and the cusps of teeth. A dental onlay covers the cusps of teeth but not the inner portion of the tooth. A dental inlay is different from a dental filling because an inlay is a single piece of material, whereas a filling using an amalgam is a material that is coated over the cavity. Dental inlays can also repair more than dental cavities, whereas a filling is almost exclusively used for cavities.
A dental inlay can last for more than a decade in many cases when the tooth is properly cared for by brushing regularly and using floss and mouthwash as recommended by the patient’s dentist. Regular check-up visits are also encouraged. Many patients who choose a dental inlay get used to it and do not notice that they have the restoration a few days after the inlay is placed by the dentist.
Our team is available by phone or message and is glad to answer your questions about dental restorations such as a dental inlay during a consultation visit. We treat a range of concerns and offer dental inlay treatment, and we take pride in helping our patients through the treatment process.
Request an appointment here: https://hemetdentalcenter.com or call Hemet Dental Center: Brian Stiewel DDS, INC. at (951) 707-4366 for an appointment in our Hemet office.
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